Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum Digital Library
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Scientific Name:
Bursera fagaroides elongata Synonyms: Bursera confusa, Bursera odorata Spanish Name: torote papelío, copal, torote, cuajiote amarillo, cuajiote, cuajiote blanco, chutama, torote amarillo, torote de venado, cuajiote verde, palo mulato |
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View all images of Bursera fagaroides elongata This species is present in the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum's live collection. |
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Burseraceae (torchwood family)
The New World elephant trees are nearly unknown to the general public, but nearly everyone has heard of their Old World relatives. The aromatic sap of frankincense (Boswellia sacra) and myrrh (Commiphora spp.) was once worth its weight in gold. It's still quite valuable, and most wild frankincense trees are sacred, hereditary property and are zealously protected. Our native species are also valuable to those who know them. The tropical species south of the desert are used in products as diverse as incense, masks, and asthma treatment. The torchwood family contains 550 species of shrubs and trees worldwide, many of which have succulent stems and aromatic foliage. There are about 12 species of Bursera in the Sonoran Desert region, about a third of which occur in the desert. |
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